New speakers - slightly damaged tweeter dome

[RoadHazard]

First of all: Hello! I've been lurking these forums for a while, and today I finally decided to register.

Now, my question/dilemma:
I recently ordered the Jamo S606 HCS3 surround speaker system (5.0, no sub). When I unpacked the speakers I made the horrible discovery that the soft-dome tweeter on one of the front speakers had been pushed in (and not by me). I immediately e-mailed the online shop i bought the speakers from, and packed them up again (since I was then set on getting them replaced).

Anyway, today they asked me to send a picture of the damaged tweeter. As i once again unpacked the speaker I was surprised to find that the dome was no longer pushed in. It must have somehow "popped" back out by itself. There are however a few creases in the dome, so it was clearly slightly damaged by being pushed in.
What I now want to know is if these slight imperfections in the dome will affect the performance of the tweeter?

I actually decided to hook the front speakers up to my receiver and try them out, and they both sound great (at least considering the price). I can't notice any degradation in the high frequencies on the speaker with the damaged tweeter, but then again I don't really have the equipment to make proper tests.

I still hope to get the speaker replaced though. It just doesn't feel good to have a less-than-perfect tweeter on my brand new speaker, and even if the damage isn't enough to make an audible difference I'll always know that the tweeter isn't quite what it should be.

 

[TjMV3]

That's happened to me before. The tweeter is fine and it won't effect the sound.

If you want to try and get any last crinkles out, here's a few tips I have tried and had great success with.

Take your long nozzle vacuume cleaner attachment (the one with a roughly inch and a half ...to two inches round opening). Turn on your vacuume cleaner........Very carefully, very slowly and very gently place the open hole of the attachment over the dome tweeter, so that the dome is in-line with the open hole (but not touching the dome tweeter).

First try about a half inch from the dome tweeter and then slowly move in closer, so that rim of the attachment is close, but no touching the dome tweeter or the faceplate of the tweeter.

That should pull out most of the crinkles. If there's still a little crinkle here and there.

You can use a natural fibre blush brush to gently and carefully push it back into shape . Be very gentle and work slowly and gently.

But the vacuume should do the job. Eventually the dome of the tweeter will work itself back into nearly perfect shape...or perfect shape.

That's what happened with mine. You can't even tell anything ever happened, there. It looks perfect.

 

[RoadHazard]

That's happened to me before. The tweeter is fine and it won't effect the sound.

If you want to try and get any last crinkles out, here's a few tips I have tried and had great success with.

Take your long nozzle vacuume cleaner attachment (the one with a roughly inch and a half ...to two inches round opening). Turn on your vacuume cleaner........Very carefully, very slowly and very gently place the open hole of the attachment over the dome tweeter, so that the dome is in-line with the open hole (but not touching the dome tweeter).

First try about a half inch from the dome tweeter and then slowly move in closer, so that rim of the attachment is close, but no touching the dome tweeter or the faceplate of the tweeter.

That should pull out most of the crinkles. If there's still a little crinkle here and there.

You can use a natural fibre blush brush to gently and carefully push it back into shape . Be very gentle and work slowly and gently.

But the vacuume should do the job. Eventually the dome of the tweeter will work itself back into nearly perfect shape...or perfect shape.

That's what happened with mine. You can't even tell anything ever happened, there. It looks perfect.

Thanks, that's helpful. I'm still waiting to hear from them again, and if they are willing to replace the speaker(s) then that's what I'll do. It would just feel better. If they won't do it however, I guess I'll have to try those things out.

 

[lsiberian]

First of all: Hello! I've been lurking these forums for a while, and today I finally decided to register.

Now, my question/dilemma:
I recently ordered the Jamo S606 HCS3 surround speaker system (5.0, no sub). When I unpacked the speakers I made the horrible discovery that the soft-dome tweeter on one of the front speakers had been pushed in (and not by me). I immediately e-mailed the online shop i bought the speakers from, and packed them up again (since I was then set on getting them replaced).

Anyway, today they asked me to send a picture of the damaged tweeter. As i once again unpacked the speaker I was surprised to find that the dome was no longer pushed in. It must have somehow "popped" back out by itself. There are however a few creases in the dome, so it was clearly slightly damaged by being pushed in.
What I now want to know is if these slight imperfections in the dome will affect the performance of the tweeter?

I actually decided to hook the front speakers up to my receiver and try them out, and they both sound great (at least considering the price). I can't notice any degradation in the high frequencies on the speaker with the damaged tweeter, but then again I don't really have the equipment to make proper tests.

I still hope to get the speaker replaced though. It just doesn't feel good to have a less-than-perfect tweeter on my brand new speaker, and even if the damage isn't enough to make an audible difference I'll always know that the tweeter isn't quite what it should be.

I've heard that an old roll left over from toilet paper works wonders. You simply put it on the cover. And suck. Preferablly use one not used for the toilet.

Soft domes get pushed in pretty easily. No worries it's just the dust cover.

 

[RoadHazard]

I've heard that an old roll left over from toilet paper works wonders. You simply put it on the cover. And suck. Preferablly use one not used for the toilet.

Soft domes get pushed in pretty easily. No worries it's just the dust cover.

Really...? I've read that the dome is what actually produces the sound waves, and that even small creases will in fact degrade the tweeter's performance at very high frequencies (it may not be enought to make an audible difference, but still). That's not right, then?

 

[highfigh]

First of all: Hello! I've been lurking these forums for a while, and today I finally decided to register.

Now, my question/dilemma:
I recently ordered the Jamo S606 HCS3 surround speaker system (5.0, no sub). When I unpacked the speakers I made the horrible discovery that the soft-dome tweeter on one of the front speakers had been pushed in (and not by me). I immediately e-mailed the online shop i bought the speakers from, and packed them up again (since I was then set on getting them replaced).

Anyway, today they asked me to send a picture of the damaged tweeter. As i once again unpacked the speaker I was surprised to find that the dome was no longer pushed in. It must have somehow "popped" back out by itself. There are however a few creases in the dome, so it was clearly slightly damaged by being pushed in.
What I now want to know is if these slight imperfections in the dome will affect the performance of the tweeter?

I actually decided to hook the front speakers up to my receiver and try them out, and they both sound great (at least considering the price). I can't notice any degradation in the high frequencies on the speaker with the damaged tweeter, but then again I don't really have the equipment to make proper tests.

I still hope to get the speaker replaced though. It just doesn't feel good to have a less-than-perfect tweeter on my brand new speaker, and even if the damage isn't enough to make an audible difference I'll always know that the tweeter isn't quite what it should be.

That's one of the nice things about soft dome tweeters- they're not as rigid as hard domes and in addition to not being permanently dented, the resonances aren't as objectionable. It's treated cloth- it's like pushing on your shirt. Neither is damaged by this unless the pressure actually deformed the dome (deformed, meaning stretched).

If you want to void your warranty, go ahead and use the vacuum cleaner.

Having worked in a stereo store for quite a while and having corrected this kind of thing many times, if it happens again get a sheet of paper, roll it so it forms a cylinder of about the same diameter as the dome, make sure the end isn't uneven and place it at the dome. Gently cause suction and inspect it. You can also use Scotch Tape. Just stick it to your pants leg a few rimes to weaken the tackiness and press it gently into the dome. If it's a hard dome, don't decrease the tack but be very gentle when peeling the tape off.

 

[highfigh]

Really...? I've read that the dome is what actually produces the sound waves, and that even small creases will in fact degrade the tweeter's performance at very high frequencies (it may not be enought to make an audible difference, but still). That's not right, then?

Like all dynamic speakers, the cone, dome, ribbon/membrane are what produce the sound but the fact that a soft dome works well is proof that rigidity isn't necessary. One possible benefit of the crease is that it may break up surface resonances.

Assuming they're still using Peerless/Vifa components, I seriously doubt the dome has been really damaged to the point of being bad for the sound. If you can't hear it now, you won't hear it later unless the voice coil was warped or nicked. If you must, ask for a replacement with a call tag for the original one, so you aren't on the hook for shipping. If you're nice enough about it, they may decide that it's not worth having you send the original back.

 

[highfigh]

I've heard that an old roll left over from toilet paper works wonders. You simply put it on the cover. And suck. Preferablly use one not used for the toilet.

Soft domes get pushed in pretty easily. No worries it's just the dust cover.

That would be the dust cover on a mid or woofer- on a dome tweeter, it's what moves the air.

 

[RoadHazard]

Like all dynamic speakers, the cone, dome, ribbon/membrane are what produce the sound but the fact that a soft dome works well is proof that rigidity isn't necessary. One possible benefit of the crease is that it may break up surface resonances.

Well, even if that is an actual benefit, isn't what I really want two tweeter domes that behave exactly the same? Since the one on the other speaker is perfectly smooth in every single spot, their sound output shouldn't match exactly. I would probably never hear this minimal difference, but just knowing it's there kind of worries me. I'm just that kind of person; I want everything I buy (especially when it's brand new) to be in absolutely perfect condition.

If you can't hear it now, you won't hear it later unless the voice coil was warped or nicked.

The problem is that since I didn't actually cause it myself, I have no idea how hard the dome was pushed in. All I know is that it was pushed in when I unpacked the speaker, and then it had magically popped out by itself by the next time I looked at the speaker (a few days later). Sure, it sounds good right now, but how can I be sure that there isn't any permanent damage that will show up later? That's why I hope they'll replace it.

If you're nice enough about it, they may decide that it's not worth having you send the original back.

I'm sure I'll have to send it back. It's an entire surround speaker set (minus a sub) after all, and the shop I ordered it from doesn't even sell the speakers seperately.

 

[RoadHazard]

By the way, here are a few shots of the tweeter (not the one on my speaker, just random pics of the speaker I found), just so you know what kind of soft-dome I'm talking about:

And one of the complete speaker set:

All of the speakers have the same 1" tweeter.

 

[CraigV]

I must say, the vacuum idea is too extreme. A soft dome tweeter is a delicate thing, and should be treated as such. You would likely do more damage than has been done already. If the dome is creased as you say then the box received a good blow during transport. The shipping company is responsible for covering the cost back to the point of sale, and then back to you.

 

[lsiberian]

I would just leave it alone. It's no worth the hassle to get it replaced. It's just fine. There will be no audible difference in sound.

Stop thinking about it and start listening to it.

I like Vifa soft domes. my RB kits have them. They are nice tweeters.

 

[RoadHazard]

I must say, the vacuum idea is too extreme. A soft dome tweeter is a delicate thing, and should be treated as such. You would likely do more damage than has been done already. If the dome is creased as you say then the box received a good blow during transport. The shipping company is responsible for covering the cost back to the point of sale, and then back to you.

What's weird is that the box doesn't show any signs of a blow like that. There are a few small dents in it, but nothing that I can imagine would cause the dome being pushed in. So how did it happen? When the speakers were being packed at Jamo? Who knows.

 

[highfigh]

"Well, even if that is an actual benefit, isn't what I really want two tweeter domes that behave exactly the same?"

In theory, yes. In practice, considering the facts that it's really hard to have a room that's perfectly symmetrical in an acoustical sense and AFAIK nobody's hearing is perfectly balanced, whatever differences exist probably won't be apparent anyway. I do understand your point about wanting them to be perfect out of the box, though. Were these demo speakers? I wasn't aware that Jamo were sold over the internet by authorized dealers.

"The problem is that since I didn't actually cause it myself, I have no idea how hard the dome was pushed in. All I know is that it was pushed in when I unpacked the speaker, and then it had magically popped out by itself by the next time I looked at the speaker (a few days later). Sure, it sounds good right now, but how can I be sure that there isn't any permanent damage that will show up later? That's why I hope they'll replace it."

Some tweeters actually have a metal dome behind the soft one, specifically for protecting it in cases like this. Not all, but some and it really has nothing to do with sound quality, either.

"I'm sure I'll have to send it back. It's an entire surround speaker set (minus a sub) after all, and the shop I ordered it from doesn't even sell the speakers separately."

They may have you fill out a concealed damage form if it was shipped by UPS. That way, the shipper is responsible for the replacement but if they were repacked by the seller, that may not happen.

 

[TjMV3]

I must say, the vacuum idea is too extreme. A soft dome tweeter is a delicate thing, and should be treated as such. You would likely do more damage than has been done already.

Nah, it works very well and does no damage whatsoever, if he follows the steps I outlined and does it very carefully and gently.

I've done it with twice in the past to two different speakers and no damage occured.

You have to remember that the trick is to not place the nozzle right up against the faceplate, that it creates a complete seal.

 

[MatthewB.]

I have actually "fixed" many a pushed in tweeter using the tiolet paper cardboard roll trick. It workd perfect, costs nothing and although you'll look like a hooker on a navy shipyard on her knees while doing the procedure, you'll find the end results are perfect. In fact I mentioned this in a thread over at AVS years ago and although they laughed at first, the guy took my advice and tried it out and he even posted pics of the end result and the tweeter came out perfect. Don't use a paper towel roll though, it's too long to get enough suction, but the tiolet paper roll is just the perfect size and you manually adjust the suction yourself. A vacuum may be too powerful and damage the tweeter altogether. After repair you should notice no change in sibilance of sound at all.

 

[RoadHazard]

I have actually "fixed" many a pushed in tweeter using the tiolet paper cardboard roll trick. It workd perfect, costs nothing and although you'll look like a hooker on a navy shipyard on her knees while doing the procedure, you'll find the end results are perfect. In fact I mentioned this in a thread over at AVS years ago and although they laughed at first, the guy took my advice and tried it out and he even posted pics of the end result and the tweeter came out perfect. Don't use a paper towel roll though, it's too long to get enough suction, but the tiolet paper roll is just the perfect size and you manually adjust the suction yourself. A vacuum may be too powerful and damage the tweeter altogether. After repair you should notice no change in sibilance of sound at all.

I'll make sure to try that, but I really doubt it will help. The top of the dome has a kind of "edge" (instead of being completely smooth and curved, it's sort of angled in that spot), like it has been folded inwards (which it kind of has), and I just don't see how that could ever be fixed.

 

[MatthewB.]

Send the company the picture and see if they will ship you a replacement tweeter saving you the hassle of shipping the whole speaker. Replacing a tweeter isnt that difficult.

 

[RoadHazard]

Send the company the picture and see if they will ship you a replacement tweeter saving you the hassle of shipping the whole speaker. Replacing a tweeter isnt that difficult.

The problem with that is that I can't seem to get a picture where the damage actually shows up. I've tried several times, but since the dome material is transparent it's more or less impossible. I can easily see it when looking at it (though the light has to reflect off it a certain way for it to be visible) but when looking through the camera it just doesn't want to show up. I also have to get very close to the dome with the camera (using the macro setting on my camera), and since I don't have a tripod it's really hard to get a sharp image.

 

[TLS Guy]

The problem with that is that I can't seem to get a picture where the damage actually shows up. I've tried several times, but since the dome material is transparent it's more or less impossible. I can easily see it when looking at it (though the light has to reflect off it a certain way for it to be visible) but when looking through the camera it just doesn't want to show up. I also have to get very close to the dome with the camera (using the macro setting on my camera), and since I don't have a tripod it's really hard to get a sharp image.

This is a non issue. Your speaker is fine. It is just as good as the other one, and this incident will not shorten its life. You need to find something else to obsess about and move on. Put on the grill and forget it!